Glasgow City Council’s Building Control team has taken control of the site of a major fire at The Glasgow School of Art and Sauchiehall Street, marking a significant shift in the ongoing response to the incident. This transition comes as the emergency phase begins to wind down, allowing for a more structured approach to managing the aftermath.
The site passed to the council team as the immediate emergency response to the fire starts to draw to a close. This handover signals a move from crisis management to recovery and assessment, with the council now leading efforts to evaluate the damage and ensure public safety.
The existing safety cordon around the site will be significantly reduced, enabling a number of businesses and residents to return to their properties. This partial reopening is a positive step for those affected, though it comes with caution. While the council works with partners, including structural engineers and fire safety experts, to establish the condition of buildings involved in the fire, there remains a risk to public safety. As a result, a substantial exclusion zone will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
In the meantime, the council has established plans to support local businesses and residents impacted by the fire. Business advisors will be stationed at Sauchiehall Street to provide direct assistance to traders struggling with the disruption. Alternatively, businesses can contact Business Glasgow at businesssupport@glasgow.gov.uk
For residents, the council has already provided temporary accommodation to some, while others who made their own arrangements are encouraged to reach out if they now require assistance. Those in need can contact the council’s homelessness service by calling 0800 838 502 out-of-hours or the North West team on 0141 276 6168 during office hours.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Our building control team has now assumed responsibility for the site of the Mackintosh Building and the other affected properties.
“The cordon that was around these properties will be reduced, which will help many of the businesses and residents that were evacuated in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“However, a substantial cordon will remain for the foreseeable future, as the condition of these buildings is assessed – and I understand that will be a significant worry to those still unable to get access.
“This is a dynamic and complex situation; but we will work with residents and businesses to give them as much clarity as we can, when we can.”
The Mackintosh Building, a historic and architecturally significant structure designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, has now suffered two major fires in recent years. The first, in 2014, caused extensive damage, and the building was still undergoing restoration when this latest incident occurred. The ongoing challenges highlight the vulnerability of such heritage sites and the need for robust fire safety measures in historic buildings.
As the recovery process continues, Glasgow City Council has emphasised its commitment to supporting those affected. The council’s efforts include not only ensuring safety but also providing practical assistance to help businesses and residents rebuild and recover. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
For those directly impacted, the council has urged patience and cooperation during this challenging time. Residents and business owners are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to seek support as needed. The road to recovery will be long, but the council’s focus remains on restoring safety, stability, and community resilience in the wake of this devastating event.
